This was the first of his two visits to the islands.
Pope John Paul II was a beloved Pope and considering Malta’s religious devotion, it’s no surprise that the islands came to a standstill when His Holiness visited for the first time in 1990. On 25th May, 31 years ago, the then-Pope crammed various events in a two-day visit which left an everlasting mark on locals.
The Pope’s catamaran docked in Isla and was greeted by Dun Vincenz Cachia, the Archpriest of Isla at the time. Music and singing greeted His Holiness ashore organised by the Queen’s Own Band Club and the Parish Choir Maria Bambina.
From there, he rode the Pope Mobile, accompanied by Malta’s then-Archbishop Mons. Guzeppi Mercieca and drove through the streets of Isla and beyond.
Despite being 70 years of age at the time, Pope John Paul II was the picture of health as he drove through the local streets waving and blessing the crowds that gathered. It was also a big moment for the islands as the visit marked the first time a pope visited.
It is reported that His Holiness repeatedly exclaimed “Gente buona, gente buona” (good people) and was visibly moved by the kindness shown by locals during the trip.